Left ventricular (LV) geometry and dipping state are determinants of LV mass reduction with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor antihypertensive treatment.

Objectives: Left ventricular hypertrophy is a major risk predictor in hypertensive patients and its regression is beneficial in terms of prognosis. The aim of this observational, open-labeled study was to investigate the effect of left ventricular geometry and dipping pattern on left ventricular mass reduction after chronic treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, in a large population of hypertensive patients.

Methods: We evaluated untreated patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension, before and 6 months after treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor monotherapy or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-low-dose thiazide combination.

The impact of third-generation beta-blocker antihypertensive treatment on endothelial function and the prothrombotic state: effects of smoking.

Background: The significance of beta-blockers in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases is well established. The effect of vasodilating beta-blockers on endothelial function and prothrombotic state has not been investigated.

Methods: The study comprised 550 consecutive patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension.

Impact of abnormal nocturnal blood pressure fall on vascular function.

Background: It is well known that nondipping pattern of arterial hypertension has a harmful effect on target organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys. However, it remains uncertain whether abnormal dipping patterns of nocturnal blood pressure (BP), such as extreme and reverse dipping, influence vascular function.

Methods: This study comprised consecutive 2800 individuals (1554 men and 1246 women).